Fifty students from Chicago neighborhoods today completed a comprehensive aviation career program provided by the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), in partnership with the City's Safe Summer Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) initiative, and the Chicago Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen

 

Over two days, the students spent 10 hours at O'Hare International Airport learning about different career paths at the CDA, including airport finance, safety, security, engineering, vehicle services, materials testing and quality assurance. The students also toured O'Hare's airfield, which allowed them a close-up view of the airport's daily operations.

 

CDA Assistant Commissioner and Lt. Col. Duane Hayden led the airport portion of the program, which highlighted the importance of Chicago's airports to the nation's aviation system. He also spoke extensively on the many careers represented at O'Hare and Midway International Airports. Students also met two of the original legendary Tuskegee Airmen, Beverly Dunjill and Milton Williams Jr., who encouraged the students to excel in their academic pursuits.

 

The Chicago Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen's Youth Aviation Program introduces young people across the nation to the world of aviation and science through local and national programs and activities. 
 

For more information about the Chicago Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, please visit http://www.taichicago.org

 

For more information about CAPS, please visit https://portal.chicagopolice.org/portal/page/portal/ClearPath